Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept Unveiled

With the new A-Class on which it’s based having just landed, Mercedes-Benz have unveiled their new GLA mini-SUV.

Due for unveiling at Shanghai Auto Show this weekend, the GLA shares its underpinings with the A-Class platform, the same platform that underpins the CLA-saloon.

So far, so straightforward. But here’s the weird bit: the GLA wants to recreate the mom-n-apple-pie nostalgia of 1950’s Americana. How? Fitted into its bulbous headlights are two laser-beam projectors, capable not only of projecting light to see some road/nearby trees/terrified pedestrians, but – should the mood arise – pictures or films onto a screen, which you can upload yourself or download from the Internet. Probably a good time to erase your browsing history…

Aside from the ability to run your own pop-up cinema, Mercedes is keen to emphasise the more sporting nature of this baby SUV; the power domed bonnet, the ‘dropping’ roofline, that muscular rear and of course, 20in wheels. It all looks very masculine.

Size wise, it’s a rival for the Audi Q3, although as a concept car, its wider and lower than the Audi. Underneath lurks the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine you’ll find in an A250. Mercedes hasn’t provided any performance details for you to argue over, but in the A-Class, that engine – with 350 Nm torque – is good for a 0-100km/h time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 240km/h.

This drives all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’ ‘4MATIC’ system and a seven-speed DCT gearbox.

Inside there the are typical concept car flourishes, loaded to the brim with galvanized aluminium, quite a lot of leather, hand-stitched seams, four individual sports seats, fibre optic lighting and Plexiglas buttons for the COMAND system. Oh, and remember we mentioned those projectors in the headlights? They’re not only a neat little concept embellishment, but could be used – says Mercedes – to project the direction instructions from the sat nav onto the road in the form of arrows, visible to other road users too, letting them know which way you’re turning. Indicators? Where we’re going, we don’t need indicators!

No word on when we’ll see a production model, but guesses seem to be on late 2013/early 2014.